Boone, N.C. (April 13, 2002) - In its final tune-up before the Southern Conference Track and Field Championships next week, East Tennessee State's track and field team had some impressive showings at the Appalachian Open hosted by Appalachian State yesterday. In all the Buccaneers totaled five first-place finishes, four seconds and three thirds on the day.
On the women's side, Kim Simmons lowered her season-best effort in the 400 meters, taking first place in a time of 57.21. Right behind her was teammate Tiffany Collier who recorded a 57.41, also a season-best. Nichola Cornish finished second in the 200-meter dash in 25.49, while the 4x100-meter relay team took third with a time of 49.36. Emily Chaney recorded a top-10 finish in the 800 meters, taking ninth with a time of 2:29.83.
Cheryle Howard took home a pair of first-place finishes in field events, capturing the high jump with a leap of 5-04.00 and taking the triple jump competition with an effort of 34-09.00. Brooke Deacon also had strong day, finishing second in the long jump at 17-04.25.
In the men's competition David Calblon won the 400 meters in 50.24, while David Haefner took home top honors in the 5,000 meters in 15:38.86.
Other top finishes for the Bucs on the men's side included a second-place by James Grufferty in the 1,500 meters with a time of 4:01.05, a third in the 800 meters by Brad Yewer, who finished in 1:56.55, and a third by Rhett Ezzell in the high jump with a 6-00.00 effort.